Palitana

Palitana, in Gujarat, India, is a city revered by Jains worldwide, primarily known for the extraordinary Shatrunjaya Hill. This sacred site is home to a sprawling complex of nearly 900 exquisitely carved marble temples, making it the largest temple complex of its kind globally. The entire hill is considered profoundly holy, a place where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinath), is believed to have delivered his first sermon and where countless souls are said to have attained liberation.

The journey to the summit of Shatrunjaya Hill is a pilgrimage involving an ascent of approximately 3,500 to 3,950 stone steps. This spiritual trek, often undertaken at dawn, offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the Shetrunji River. The city of Palitana itself, with a population of around 64,000, maintains a serene atmosphere, deeply influenced by Jain principles, including strict vegetarianism throughout the town.

A Sacred Legacy Etched in Stone

The history of Palitana's temples on Shatrunjaya Hill stretches back over 900 years, with the earliest structures dating to the 11th century CE. The hill's sanctity for Jains predates these structures by millions of years, rooted in the belief that Adinatha, the first Tirthankara, visited Shatrunjaya numerous times and delivered his initial sermon here. His grandson, Pundarik Swami, is also believed to have attained nirvana on this mountain, which was originally known as Pundarikgiri.

Construction of the temple complex occurred in phases, with significant building activity during the 11th-12th centuries and again in the 16th-17th centuries. While many temples were initially built by patrons like Kumarpal Solanki, the site faced destruction by Turkish Muslim invaders in 1311 CE. However, rebuilding efforts commenced within two years, demonstrating the unwavering devotion of the Jain community. The majority of the temples visible today date from the late 16th to the 19th centuries.

In 1656, Murad Baksh, the then-Governor of Gujarat and son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, granted the Shatrunjaya site and Palitana villages to Shantidas Jhaveri, a prominent Jain merchant and court jeweler. This act further fostered the prosperity of the temple town. Since 1730 CE, the Anandji Kalyanji Trust has managed the Palitana temples, continuing the tradition of upkeep and expansion.

Palitana also holds historical significance as a princely state during British rule. Today, the city is not only a major pilgrimage center but also a testament to centuries of architectural dedication and profound spiritual belief.

The primary attraction in Palitana is Shatrunjaya Hill, a sacred site crowned with hundreds of Jain temples. The ascent to the summit involves climbing approximately 3,500 to 3,950 stone steps, a journey that typically takes 2-3 hours. For those unable to climb, 'dolis' (palanquins carried by porters) are available.

At the summit, the temples are grouped into enclosures, or 'tunks', each centered around a main temple with smaller shrines surrounding it. The most significant temple is the Adinath Temple, dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. This temple, located at the highest point on the southern side, features a 7-foot marble statue of Rishabha in a sitting posture and is renowned for its intricate carvings and ornate designs. Another notable structure is the Chaumukh Temple, known for its four-faced deity of Adinath, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment in all directions. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the various temples, admiring the detailed marble carvings and the serene spiritual atmosphere.

Beyond the hill, the town of Palitana also has Jain temples worth visiting. At the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill, the ancient Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an architectural marvel. Palitana also offers local markets where visitors can find traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles.

The best time to visit Palitana is during the cooler months, from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and temperatures are mild, making the ascent of Shatrunjaya Hill more manageable. Summers, from March to June, are extremely hot, with temperatures potentially reaching 42°C, and are generally best avoided. While the monsoon season (July to September) brings cooler temperatures, the hills are often closed for climbing due to potential risks. Festivals like Kartik Purnima (November-December) and Mahavir Jayanti are particularly auspicious times, attracting thousands of devotees.

Palitana is a small city, easily navigable by auto-rickshaws for local transport. For the climb up Shatrunjaya Hill, pilgrims often walk, but 'dolis' (palanquins) are available for hire. Modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, is required for both men and women when visiting the temples. Leather items are strictly prohibited on the sacred hill. Visitors must also remove their shoes before entering temples. Photography inside the sanctuaries may be restricted or prohibited. It is strictly forbidden to bring or consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco products on Shatrunjaya Hill or near the temples, and indeed throughout the city. Most Jains do not eat before the climb and do not carry food or water on the hill, though water stations are available along the path. Many dharamshalas (rest houses) in Palitana offer accommodation and pure vegetarian Jain food, which typically excludes onions, garlic, and root vegetables. It is not permitted to stay overnight on Shatrunjaya Hill itself.